Help with custom order

I'm currently in the process of having a custom razor commissioned (my rough sketch below). I was thinking of having choils built into the tang to give me a more stable grip. Now, I've been using straights exclusively for about two and a half years, but I just learned tonight (by watching some shaving tutorial videos) that the way I shave is a little odd. I only shave against the grain, and with the handle held parallel to the blade like in the picture. In this configuration, I believe the blade design I've thought up would give me a little better control, but the maker raised some issues about the design's feasibility in the other positions that I hadn't thought of. So my question to all of you is this: is it a really bad idea to break with tradition and use this design, and is it likely that I will change my shaving style in the future and regret my decisions?

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Originally Posted by Tsujigiri

I'm currently in the process of having a custom razor commissioned (my rough sketch below). I was thinking of having choils built into the tang to give me a more stable grip. Now, I've been using straights exclusively for about two and a half years, but I just learned tonight (by watching some shaving tutorial videos) that the way I shave is a little odd. I only shave against the grain, and with the handle held parallel to the blade like in the picture. In this configuration, I believe the blade design I've thought up would give me a little better control, but the maker raised some issues about the design's feasibility in the other positions that I hadn't thought of. So my question to all of you is this: is it a really bad idea to break with tradition and use this design, and is it likely that I will change my shaving style in the future and regret my decisions?

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Fixed one piece design similar to a Japanese razor?

Sorry, should have made that more clear. No, this will be a folding design.

Nice to see a pal with empiric learning as myself. Took me lots of time and blood to learn to shave better (mainly due to SRP and Youtubers). Self-learned moves and muscle memory are hard to change. Do whatever, man... it is YOUR CUSTOM, I'll retreat to my humble position... only you, after all, can answer your doubts.
Whan I can do for you is to advise... go directly to ATG is a harsh path. You'll, probably, learn with time that going WTG before ATG will give you a softer shaving experience. I, sometimes, just go WTG.
About the design, hmmm, it is your design... it is what you conceive, your kid. I am just a zoologist who sees evolution acting everywhere, from molecules to humans, and the tools they made. The straight razors kept evolving from thousands of years until mid 1900s. I just do not know if a design such a yours, with lots of corners, points, "wadcutter" edges, no stabilization would result in a better shave than traditional designs. Keep in mind you'll be in need to clean and desinfect the razor too.
But all this is just my opinion and my thoughts. Do whatever you want, and I wish you a joyful ride!

As Matheus says, it is your design.

My concern would be the file work on the spine. It "could" be a strop grabber with the exposed points.

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Originally Posted by rolodave

My concern would be the file work on the spine. It "could" be a strop grabber with the exposed points.

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This was my thought, too. It's one of the reasons I like a cleaner look up there.

Any closed drawings? This doesn't show your tang and tail concept. Looks great so far. As everyone else has suggested. No one wants to restrict your creative nature. There are just some thoughts for "down the road issues" that may arise. JWWT

It's your design & if you can get it made & your happy,,, then that's all that matters.

Interesting design though,,, I'd use the heel of the blade as a gut hook & the back of the spine to scale fish out in the field. :shrug:

I would echo the makers concern and consider a more conventional tang design with upper and lower jimps . As it stands,it appears it may be very uncomfortable to grip for any stopping or honing motion. Function trumps form when it comes to straights IMHO .

If you only use the razor with the handle straight like a kamisori , why not have it made that way with a shorter handle? Leaving that much length seems problematic with your method. Method us to each person , make the razor fit your method. Have you tryed a kamisori? I have some pretty radical blades myself , giving Bruno the latitude to design some blades. But keep in mind the spine can have a damaging effect on your strop , and this one will be difficult to strop. Have fun with it and if you trust the man you have chosen to create your custom, trust his judgement also. Tc

forgot , I have a Max Sprecher with a heel,like that , I an be lethal

I, for some reason, am not partial to exaggerated points on the cutting edge of the blade. I have some spikes and they can bite if I do not pay full attention to the stroke and shave. Only nicked an earlobe once't but knowing where the point is is mandatory to save personal blood shed. I also use a straight with the handle extended that way for quite a few passes especially under my jaw. I also use Kamisori on some days and enjoy the shaves they give.
I have muted them for personal protection. If I were to buy a Custom straight, it would be a smiling blade similar to a old Sheffields wider toward the tip.
Just my thoughts on blade shape.
~Richard

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Originally Posted by Geezer

I, for some reason, am not partial to exaggerated points on the cutting edge of the blade. I have some spikes and they can bite if I do not pay full attention to the stroke and shave. Only nicked an earlobe once't but knowing where the point is is mandatory to save personal blood shed. I also use a straight with the handle extended that way for quite a few passes especially under my jaw. I also use Kamisori on some days and enjoy the shaves they give.
I have muted them for personal protection. If I were to buy a Custom straight, it would be a smiling blade similar to a old Sheffields wider toward the tip.
Just my thoughts on blade shape.
~Richard

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I concur Richard,my favorites whether they be a near wedge or more hollow ground all fit that formula .I find a blade with a straighter edge profile never follows the curves and hollows of my face as well as a smiling blade. Your face and neck are not flat and straight , why should your blade be so ? YMMVAttachment 201615

It's all in your personal preferences & the way you shave. It ha to do with what you want, like & what you are looking for. All I can really say is that if that is what you want, you can try that & if you aren't happy with it, then it will answer some questions for you that may have come up right now & you can always sell it to get what it is you are looking for or prefer. It is all in what makes you happy & the way you shave also. You might even decide to change the way you shave. There are many factors involved & it all lies within your personal preference. If it turns out to be what you have always wanted then what you are asking here has been answered. Good luck in your ventures!

Oooooo..........that spine would tear up a strop!